Making a fireplace bigger? All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[panna]

I have just moved into an old Edwardian house where there seems to be chimney breasts and fireplaces in every room - including the bathroom. I want to remove the one in the bathroom but have been advised it is a very costly job. I have seen houses where they make features of disused chimneys/ fireplaces by enlarging the opening to give space for storage - I think could work and give us a bit more space in a small bathroom..
I'd imagine the lintel is quite low and small as the room is small. Is it easy to move and make bigger.
How can I do it, or do I need a builder?

[dents]

yes it is easy to do, but no job for you if you have never done this sort of work. i advise a builder to do this for you.otherwise you could have no bathroom or chimney and then no fire downstairs.
it shouldnt be an expensive job for a builder to do anyway to simply extend the height of the opening .

this work with preps by you could be done in 1day or 2days max,,,, and costing labour £150 approx per day ,its not worth the worry to do it yourself .

[DIY_chap]

I've never done this work before but was confident about doing it.

I have added a lintel raising the height by 2 bricks, however I am now stuck with the widening aspect. The flue stacks appear to be free standing and I need to make them narrow. I would like to do it myself but not sure of the next steps. :roll: :?:

[TheDoctor5]

Last year 64% of the questions asked in our forum were answered within our DIY project pages at www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects.htm The project pages are now separated alphabetically and your answers are accompanied by diagrams and the ability to see, and buy, the tools and/or required to complete your project. Use our search box to look for your answer and save a great deal of time and money!